How to Deconstruct Your Faith (with John Marriott)
Aug 24, 2023
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Dr. John Marriott, Research and Program Coordinator at Biola University, discusses deconstructing faith with Scott and Sean. They explore reasons for deconstruction, challenging biblical doctrines, the influence of cultural ideas, retaining and reforming evangelical tradition, and finding a mentor in the faith re-examination process.
Re-examining faith in a constructive manner helps individuals navigate doubts and questions while maintaining a strong Christian foundation.
Having a mentor or guide throughout the faith examination process offers valuable insights and perspectives that can strengthen one's faith journey.
Deep dives
The Importance of Constructive Faith Examination
It is important for individuals to re-examine their faith in a constructive manner. This process allows them to navigate doubts and questions while still maintaining a strong Christian foundation. By engaging in open and honest discussions with mentors or guides who can provide wisdom and support, individuals can explore their faith in a way that aligns with their own personal beliefs and values.
The Role of Mentors in Faith Exploration
Having a mentor or guide throughout the faith examination process is crucial. Mentors can offer a listening ear, provide guidance, and share wisdom based on their own experiences. By finding a mentor who is willing to engage in conversations and help navigate through doubts, individuals can gain valuable insights and perspectives that can strengthen their faith journey.
Navigating Difficult Questions and Doctrinal Issues
During faith examination, individuals may encounter challenging questions and doctrinal issues. It is important to approach these topics with an open mind and a willingness to wrestle with different perspectives. Engaging in conversations with mentors and seeking a deeper understanding of biblical teachings can help individuals reconcile their beliefs with difficult passages or theological concepts.
The Need for Authenticity and Integrity in Faith
Authenticity and integrity are essential in the faith examination process. Individuals should be encouraged to be true to themselves and ask tough questions. However, it is important to maintain a commitment to biblical truths and not succumb to relativism or cultural pressures. Upholding the authority of Scripture and aligning the beliefs with what is historically orthodox are key factors in maintaining authenticity and integrity in one's faith journey.
What does it mean to say that someone is deconstructing their faith? Can that be a good thing, or is it the first step in someone eventually abandoning their faith? How do you help someone to re-examine their faith in a constructive way? Join us as Scott interviews his co-host Sean McDowell and his co-author Dr. John Marriott, of the new book, Set Adrift.
Dr. John Marriott serves at Biola University as the Research and Program Coordinator for the Biola University Center for Christian Thought and teaches in the Department of Philosophy. A former pastor, he holds a Ph.D. degree from The Cook School of Intercultural Studies. His dissertation focused on deconversion from Christianity to atheism.
He is the author of five books on deconversion, A Recipe For Disaster: How the Church Contributes to the Deconversion Crisis (Wipf & Stock, 2018), The Anatomy of Deconversion: Keys to a Lifelong Faith in a Culture Abandoning Christianity (ACUP, 2021), Going... Going... Gone..! Why Believers Lose Their Faith and What Can be Done to Guard Against it (Renaissance Publishers, 2020), Before You Go: Uncovering Hidden Factors in Faith Loss (Leafwood Publishers, 2022) in addition to his new one, Set Adrift.
Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith and Culture is a podcast from Talbot School of Theology at Biola University, which offers degrees both online and on campus in Southern California.
To submit comments, ask questions, or make suggestions on issues you'd like us to cover or guests you'd like us to have on the podcast, email us at thinkbiblically@biola.edu.
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